Private James O McGeever

Private James Owen McGeever, son of James and Catherine McGeever, of Ryhope, Durham, served with 8th Parachute Battalion.

James was 'jump' trained at RAF Ringway on Course 53, which ran between 1 and 14 March 1943. His instructor noted this about his performance:

"Average performer - inclined to nervousness"

On 13 June 1943, members of 8th Para Bn were on training Exercise Bluebell, and jumped at 15:55 hours over the Firth of Tay in Scotland. The Battalion's war diary records that eight men from this jump landed in the river. Another man, RSM Parsons landed on a sand bank was able to get ashore with help and reported to the police. Initially, no trace of the others was found and they were presumed drowned. This included James aged just 27 years.

He is now buried at Ryhope Cemetery, Durham.

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